Voices for Charity bids farewell with final concert in Stanton on Dec. 16

Pictured here at a recent distribution meeting are representatives of charities sponsored by Voices For Charity, along with Donna M. Herb, (back row, second from right) founder and chairman of the charity.Hunterdon County Democrat

On Sunday, Dec. 16, Voices For Charity will present their “Farewell Concert” featuring internationally acclaimed pianist Ilya Yakushev. Additional performances will include Becky Pratt on cello, singers Richard Billings and Donna M. Herb, plus an organ/piano duet by Ann Sauerland and Margaret Sheneman. This final concert is free and will be a tribute to all who have been a special part of Voices For Charity over the years. It will be held at the Stanton Reformed Church, Stanton, beginning at 3:30 p.m.; a short reception will immediately follow.

The group has been living the dream to make a difference in the world through music since it was founded in 1996. As a small, all-volunteer nonprofit organization, they have been quietly successful, donating more than $110,000 to more than 20 charities in the greater Hunterdon County and central New Jersey area. Over the past 16 years they have held many different fund-raising events including concerts, Cabarets, dinners, trips to sing at Somerset Patriots and Trenton Thunder baseball games, releasing a Christmas CD, and more.

A final distribution of funds will be presented to six beneficiary charities during the concert including: Briteside Adult Day Center, Hunterdon County Teen Arts, Good News Home for Women, Interfaith Hospitality Network, Meals on Wheels and SAFE in Hunterdon.

Why are they shutting down? Founder and chairman, Donna M. Herb was saddened to inform supporters and charity recipients that this year was the final year for the organization. Over the years it became more and more difficult to get volunteers to help keep the organization alive. Audience attendance dwindled at concerts and events, as people’s lives seem to get busier, and interest in attending these types of functions waned, causing the organization to make the unfortunate decision to close its doors.

Board members, Donna M. Herb, Ann Sauerland, Marlyn Reuter, John Benedik, Marian Sulenski and Elaine Powers all agree that they are proud of what a small organization like Voices For Charity was able to achieve.

They depart with their heads held high, feeling fortunate that they were able to help raise awareness and stimulate interest in a variety of charities as well as donate funds to those charities.

They close their doors celebrating 16 years of sharing God’s love and joy through music, and encourage others to get involved in helping other organizations on a regular basis, not just during crises times, so those agencies do not suffer the same fate as Voices For Charity in closing.